Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami expected the country’s defense budget would rise by 21 percent in the next Iranian calendar year (to start on March 21).

“If the resources of the budget are provided, Iran’s defense budget is expected to rise by 21% in the next Iranian calendar year, Hatami told reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet session on Wednesday, IRNA reported.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani submitted the next year's budget bill to the Parliament on December 25.

The general outlines of the budget bill were approved by the Parliament's Plan, Budget and Audit Committee.

The Iranian defense minister also pointed to the country’s missile program, saying that he has given the cabinet a report on the status of the missile program and its progress.

He said President Hassan Rouhani and the ministers were impressed by the plans to develop various types of missiles.

The defense minister stressed that all of the plans for developing the missile industry, particularly for increasing the accuracy of missiles, will be carried out in the next year.

Hatami also said that greater missile power will enhance the country’s deterrent capabilities.